Djokovic changes his tune on U.S. protocol

Serbian tennis star originally slammed tight restrictions at the U.S. Open

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic is softening his stance on restrictions necessary to hold the U.S. Open after recently describing the tournament’s health protocols as “extreme” and “impossible.”

The event is scheduled for Aug. 31-Sept. 13 in New York, a city that was hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

“I think that a lot of people were skeptical, especially for the U.S. events considering what the U.S. went through as a country during this pandemic,” the 17-time Grand Slam winner from Serbia told Eurosport’s Tennis Legends podcast.

“So a lot of people, including myself, were quite skeptical on whether it would happen or not. We are very glad that it is happening, of course, and it is very important that we provide opportunities, we provide jobs, we provide opportunities for players to compete.”

Among the requirements that irked Djokovic involved being able to bring just one person with him to the grounds as opposed to an entire entourage.

He said earlier this month that players he spoke with had “a rather negative view” about playing at the U.S. Open.

American women’s player Danielle Collins was peeved with Djokovic’s stance and insinuated he was selfish.

“No one has been able to play sanctioned events or make money since February,” Collins wrote. “Here we have an awesome opportunity with the U.S. Open talking about proceeding forward with the event, with some strict safety precautions to make sure all players feel safe and their health is put first.

“This is a massive opportunity for players to start making money again, and here we have the top player in the world saying only being able to bring one person with (him) will be too difficult and he needs to be able to bring his entourage.”

Djokovic, 33, has since adjusted his view and is looking forward to trying to win the event for a fourth time.

“Because at the end of the day, this is what we do!” Djokovic said. “As tennis professionals we love the sport; we are passionate about it.

“We miss competing and travelling and, at the end of the day, we miss being on tour. So I think this is very positive news.”

Second-ranked Rafael Nadal and third-ranked Dominic Thiem have also expressed concerns about the U.S. Open, as have No. 1 women’s player Ashleigh Barty and No. 2 Simona Halep.

The two tours will resume play in August. The WTA returns Aug. 3 with the Palermo Ladies Open in Italy, and the ATP resumes Aug. 14 with the Citi Open in Washington, D.C.